This gene encodes a member of the ZIC family of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins. The encoded protein may act as a transcriptional repressor. Studies in mouse and Xenopus support a role for this gene in neural crest development. Elevated expression of this gene has been observed in various human cancers and may contribute to cancer progression. This gene is closely linked to a related family member on chromosome 13. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2017]